Pokegama Dam Reservoir Report

Reservoir Report

Minnesota

Nearby: Pokegama Dam - Dikes 4 And 5 Grand Rapids

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Pokegama Dam, also known as Pokegama Reservoir, is a concrete dam located in Grand Rapids, Minnesota, on the Mississippi River.

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Summary

Built in 1884 by the US Army Corps of Engineers, the dam serves primarily for recreation, with additional purposes including flood risk reduction, navigation, and water supply. It has a height of 17 feet and a length of 385 feet, creating a reservoir with a storage capacity of 120,000 acre-feet and a surface area of 13,000 acres.

Despite being classified as a moderate-risk dam by the US Army Corps of Engineers, Pokegama Dam is continuously monitored and maintained to reduce the risk to the public. A 2019 risk assessment highlighted concerns about potential overtopping during extreme flooding events, with a 1/5000-year chance of exceedance. To address these risks, the Corps is evaluating potential modifications to the dam in 2022, focusing on improving its resilience and safety measures. Overall, the dam's hazard potential is considered significant, but measures are in place to mitigate potential consequences and ensure the safety of the surrounding community and environment.

In addition to the dam itself, the associated dikes are considered low to normal risk, primarily acting as low-height embankments during extreme flood events. The Corps' risk management measures include regular inspections, maintenance, and prioritizing activities to address potential risks. By proactively monitoring and maintaining Pokegama Dam, the Corps aims to ensure its continued functionality and safety for both recreational and flood management purposes.

Year Completed	1884
Dam Length	385
Dam Height	17
River Or Stream	MISSISSIPPI
Primary Dam Type	Concrete
Surface Area	13000
Hydraulic Height	15
Drainage Area	660
Nid Storage	120000
Structural Height	15
Outlet Gates	Other Controlled - 8, Slide (sluice gate) - 6
Hazard Potential	Significant
Foundations	Rock
Nid Height	17

Explore Interactive Map

POKEGAMA DAM

Reservoir Report • Water Levels • Weather Forecast

December 5, 2025

Year_Completed	1884
Dam_Length	385
Dam_Height	17
River_Or_Stream	MISSISSIPPI
Primary_Dam_Type	Concrete
Surface_Area	13000
Hydraulic_Height	15
Drainage_Area	660
Nid_Storage	120000
Structural_Height	15
Outlet_Gates	Other Controlled - 8, Slide (sluice gate) - 6
Hazard_Potential	Significant
Foundations	Rock
Nid_Height	17

Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

Nearby Streamflow Levels

Mississippi River At Grand Rapids 633.0cfs	633cfs
Prairie River Near Taconite 62.7cfs	63cfs
Mississippi River At Aitkin 1010.0cfs	1010cfs
Mississippi River Near Bemidji 169.0cfs	169cfs

Dam Data Reference

Condition Assessment

Satisfactory
No existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. Acceptable performance is expected under all loading conditions (static, hydrologic, seismic) in accordance with the minimum applicable state or federal regulatory criteria or tolerable risk guidelines.
Fair
No existing dam safety deficiencies are recognized for normal operating conditions. Rare or extreme hydrologic and/or seismic events may result in a dam safety deficiency. Risk may be in the range to take further action. Note: Rare or extreme event is defined by the regulatory agency based on their minimum
Poor A dam safety deficiency is recognized for normal operating conditions which may realistically occur. Remedial action is necessary. POOR may also be used when uncertainties exist as to critical analysis parameters which identify a potential dam safety deficiency. Investigations and studies are necessary.
Unsatisfactory
A dam safety deficiency is recognized that requires immediate or emergency remedial action for problem resolution.
Not Rated
The dam has not been inspected, is not under state or federal jurisdiction, or has been inspected but, for whatever reason, has not been rated.
Not Available
Dams for which the condition assessment is restricted to approved government users.

Hazard Potential Classification

High
Dams assigned the high hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation will probably cause loss of human life.
Significant
Dams assigned the significant hazard potential classification are those dams where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life but can cause economic loss, environment damage, disruption of lifeline facilities, or impact other concerns. Significant hazard potential classification dams are often located in predominantly rural or agricultural areas but could be in areas with population and significant infrastructure.
Low
Dams assigned the low hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life and low economic and/or environmental losses. Losses are principally limited to the owner's property.
Undetermined
Dams for which a downstream hazard potential has not been designated or is not provided.
Not Available
Dams for which the downstream hazard potential is restricted to approved government users.